Did you ever go a. ..?

Ford? Lincoln? Mercury? Chrysler / Dodge? Jeep? Chevy? Buick? GMC? Cadillac? Hummer? Pontiac? Saturn? Saab? Volvo? VW? Audi? BMW? Mercedes Benz? Toyota? Lexus? Nissan? Infiniti? Honda? KIA? Hyndai? Ferrari? Lambo? Land Rover? Jaguar?

Ford – Yes Lincoln – Mercury Yes – I own a 1967 Cougar Chrysler – Dodge Yes – I drive my parents 2007 Cavalier. He also owned a 1969 Polara. Jeep – Once owner CJ5 1972 Chevy – I just sold my Camaro 1968 Buick – Yes, unfortunately GMC – Yes Cadillac – Hummer Yes – often drove them into the armed forces Pontiac – Saturn Yes – Yes Saab – Yes Volvo – VW Yes – I used to own a 1967 VW pickup, single cab. Audi – BMW Yes – Yes Mercedes Benz – Toyota Yes – I used to own a 1987 Toyota pick-up from John Elway Toyota. He signed my football while I was there (worth $ 9,000 now). Lexus – Yes Nissan – Infiniti Yes – Yes Honda – Yes KIA – Yes Hyndai – Yes Ferrari – Lambo Yes – No Land Rover – Jaguar Yes – Yes Lotus – Mercedes Yes – Porsche Yes – Yes AMC – Once you own a Hornet (I accidentally Pacer, DOH!)

What is a van? A van is a vehicle that is commonly and mostly used to transport goods, cargo, and people of course. Oftentimes, it is like a container truck however a van’s size is much smaller. Also, these often come as a rather box-shaped vehicle that is like larger automobiles. However, it is much taller and usually higher off the ground. But there are also smaller vans but still serve the same function as the usual vans.

One of the vehicles that fall into this category is the Ford Econoline Van. This vehicle has been built to haul and tow just about everything and anything. Of course, just like any van, it has been crafted with roomy and spacious interiors that could transport cargo and passengers. Since rolling off the Ford Motor Company’s manufacturing plants, the Ford Econoline Van has certainly earned a good reputation as a van and as a vehicle. Sales numbers show that this vehicle has certainly been a steady bestseller for over 25 years, since the year 1961, and is still counting. It is also popularly dubbed as the Ford E-Series. The entire line up for this vehicle make is composed of full size vans. Upon its first public appearance, it was introduced with different versions which included the cargo version, the passenger version, and the pickup truck version. Each of these trim levels came with a powerful inline-type engine with six cylinders.

At present, the Ford Econoline Vans are sold in two varieties which comprise of the E-150 and the E-350. These varieties are available in body styles that include a wagon and a chateau. The wagons are offered in the XL and the XLT trim levels and come with either the regular length or the extended length option. The extended vehicles share the same wheelbase measurement however what differs is that the extended ones come 20 inches longer in its total body length. As for the engine options of the Ford Econoline Vans, there is a 4.6 liter V8 engine, a 5.4 liter V8 engine, a 6.0 liter V8 engine, as well as a 6.8 liter V10 engine. All the vehicles in this line up come equipped with four speed automatic transmission units.

The Ford Econoline Vans has been a favorite for many people who choose vehicles which could transport and carry groups of people and cargo as well as hold the capacity for towing and hauling. Through the years, this vehicle has undergone various changes and redesigns to give it a more sophisticated and comfortable appeal inside and out. Aside from that, the Ford Econoline Vans also received commendations and awards like in 1992 when it had bagged the Motor Trend magazine’s Truck of the Year award.

Auto Parts Corner

Ford parts

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Tracy is a 29 year old researcher and writer from Dallas, Texas with extensive experience in writing auto-related articles and covering automotive related events. She is currently a contributing writer for a leading automotive e-zine.

An acquaintance with any country for many people begins with a taxi. The overall impression of the country, often depends on how they met and took to their destination, See what necessitated the cabin window.

Sometimes it happens so, that a taxi ride becomes a fascinating journey and an adventure with a series of magnificent views and stops, so you might even forget their fate. But it also happens to your nervous system undergoes considerable stress, especially when involved an aircraft departing or just your safety during the trip.

Forbes Traveler has selected the 10 best and worst of the 10 taxi trips.

The 10 best rides:

1. Havana. From the Old City to the "National Hotel";

2. Hong Kong. From Airport to the city;

3. New York. From Fifth Avenue to Washington Square Park;

4. Buenos Aires. De Recoleta Cemetery to the Teatro Colon;

5. Beijing. From east to west;

6. London. From Marble Arch to London Eye review conference;

7. Iceland. From Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon.

8. Paris. From the Hotel de Ville "to the Arc de Triomphe;

9. Istanbul. From Taksim to Square Blue Mosque.

10. Venice. Any route;

The 10 worst taxi trips:

1. New York. The road from the airport to the city;

2. Mexico, Mexico, where drivers can simply looting a passenger;

3. Lagos, Nigeria;

4. Bangkok, Thailand. The problem is not in Bangkok taxis, but in quantity.

5. Naples, Italy. In the country that has made the Ferrari the world, driving Aggressive is not a rarity;

6. Caracas, Venezuela;

7. Moscow, Russia, where, except taxis, a huge number of private schools.

8. St. – Paulo, Brazil, 30 million big city "is still" at peak times;

9. Manila, Philippines;

10. Baghdad, Iraq.

Iuri Tarabanov writes about interesting travel experiences. His Travel Deals site is http://www.travelime.com

Every single driver will obviously have differing categories and stipulations regarding what makes the perfect car. Some will be of the opinion that power, speed and performance are the mark of a truly great car and suggest that the Bugatti Veyron or something similar is the perfect car. Others will hold esteem in a more aesthetic nature and put forward cars such as the Bentley Continental and the Aston Martin Vanquish as the real purveyors of automotive perfection. I have always held the opinion that the truly great cars don’t focus on one thing, but try to encapsulate the needs and desires of everyone into their designs and engineering. This is precisely why my favourite car is the brand new Ford Focus.

Now you may be laughing or deriding me for saying that I would rather own a Ford Focus than a Pagani Zonda or a Koenigsegg, but that simply isn’t true. I would love to own one of the many supercars or hypercars that are available on the market and if you gave me £1 Million to spend on a car I wouldn’t disappoint you. All I am trying to say that in a practical world the new Ford Focus is a lot less likely to frustrate you than a supercar. Let me explain.

First of all you have fuel efficiency to take into consideration. Ford have become synonymous with engineering which seems to sip very frugally at the fuel reserves and the Focus is no different. With economical driving disciplines in place it is possible to get supermini standard fuel economy from a Ford Focus. This leaves you with more money in your wallet and having to spend less time stood at the pumps, refilling every few hours.

Secondly the issue of practicality has to be addressed. Everybody has to do a weekly shop, or pick up comestible goods from town. In a Ford Focus this is a relatively painless task. Parking is very easy, boot space is magnificent and thanks to the Ford Focus’ ‘understated’ beauty, it won’t attract vandals to pull it to bits. Adversely, if you choose to do your food shopping in your new Ferrari 599, you are going to find parking excruciatingly difficult, discover you only have the luggage space to fit a small punnet of Satsumas and the vandals will tear your Ferrari badge and wing mirrors off before you can even say “hands off my car!”

I will admit, owning a supercar would be a dream come true, I have a very soft spot for the Lamborghini Gallardo myself, but in an increasingly practical world, it becomes almost impossible to think of an apt time to use one. With the cost of petrol, the congestion on the roads and the increasing number of uninsured drivers on the road, why would any drive for pleasure?

Take my advice and get the best practical car money can buy; the brand new Ford Focus. You will get great performance and fantastic economy, just don’t expect 0-60 in under three and a half seconds.

Pete Ridgard has been a writer and a car enthusiast for many years. Here he discusses the competition between the Ford Focus and Supercars, with unexpected results.

The Ferrari 328 GTB and GTS were introduced in the late 1985 early 1986 years. Depending upon who you talk with this model is sometimes considered the last of the 308 series and sometimes a unique model of its own.

The major change from the 308 to the 328 was an increase in engine size from 3.0 to 3.2 which was the reason for the model name change. This increase gave the car 270 bph at 7,000 rpm. Like the earlier 308s the engine was mounted cross wise in a mid engine position.

From the outside the front and rear bumpers were now painted the same as the body color, rather than black as on the 308s. Initial tires were 205/55 front and 225/50 rears. This was identical to late model 308s for the American market. One unique problem with this tire arrangement was that the front spare tire compartment would only accommodate the 205/55 front tire. So if you had a flat in the rear, your spare tire was the wrong size. If you insisted in using it, your next problem was that you could not close the hood on the 225/50 rear tire as it was just too large to fit the cavity.

Top speed was claimed 158mph just as the QV before it. However, it was slightly faster in 0 to 60 mph by 2 tenths of a second. You could feel the extra horsepower and torque while driving the 328, even though the acceleration numbers did not suggest it.

In addition to the change in paint on the bumpers there were dozens and dozens of minor changes to the car. Towards the end of the run, ABS was introduced. One way of telling was the change in the wheels; however some late 328s had the later wheels but not ABS.

1,348 GTBs were produced and 6,068 GTSs from 1985 until 1989. The open top car was much more popular as can be seen from the production numbers. On the open market they also bring about $5,000 more for a used car. The interesting thing though is that the closed GTB was a little better handling, because of its extra stiffness. The downside was the GTB was also much warmer inside as the open top model allowed some of the heat from the radiator pipes to escapee.

The 328 was the last model Ferrari to use the cross engine location in the mid engine position. Its successor, the 348 had the engine switch to a longitudinal design. It has always been a slight controversy as to which engine position was better. One fact is true however, major engine work on the 308 and 328 series can be done with the engine remaining in the car. Later Ferrari cars had to have the engine removed.  

Dennis Dater has been interested in cars since he learned to drive in a 1952 MG TD. He is opening two unique web sites to offer Honda Accord aftermarket parts. Visit him and see the products or read more articles.

http://www.accordmania.com for Accord performance products

http://www.accordtopia.com for Accord appearance products

When it comes to buying gifts for retirement is very easy to fall into the trap of buying things that are original and suggests that every person is planning to withdraw doing now is not working is to sit at home and relax with a bit of gardening. Of course there is nothing wrong with this election, but it is important to remember that most people who retire are far from over the hill and are still looking for excitement and adventure (after all … every day is a holiday now!) The choice of retirement gift can help accomplish this! There are so many great gift ideas you can choose from that are unique, original and adventurous!

If the person you are buying for retirement present has a particular love of cars there is no better gift you can get them a thrill of Ferrari Silverstone. You will be given the opportunity to lead the world's most famous car, instead of driving the world's most famous and the start of Great Britain Award. This gift includes an exhibition car of your instructor, who will share the necessary knowledge needed to drive this fantastic car, to be taken to the left the track and enjoy the Ferrari 360 for three laps around Silverstone Circuit South stimulant. They even receive a certificate at the end of the day they can keep as keep love to remember their days.

Or if Ferrari are not to their liking … How about a day of go-kart with a Grand Prix Karting Experience Day Pack? What better excitement accelerate some of the circuits around the country's most beloved professional in a go-kart built for speed? A very original idea of gifts retirement!

Sky Diving is an emotion that many people would love the experience, but jumping off a plane seems a little too afraid … What better gift idea than a pack of inner experience skydiving? Indoor skydiving wind tunnel involves a far-reaching given the same experience and emotion, as if you were falling through the air (no need to jump from an airplane!)

If the person you are buying for enjoys boating and is looking for an adrenalin rush then the Zapcat Powerboat Blast is a perfect retirement gift idea! Originally designed to rescue the catamaran sailing light have been redesigned for short course racing boats at sea. His day included a quick trip to the bay by RIB then the main event, two hours entertainment fueled by adrenaline in the value of Zapcat!

Another great idea for people who enjoy boating is a yacht Columbus Day. They come to experience the thrill of close racing yacht in a modern Cork 1720. You can even include your own custom gift pack is perfect for retirement gifts more unique and special for them.

Diving is a great gift idea for people who want to discover and explore and experience the thrill of life to the sea. The donation also includes a personalized gift package that will add a special touch to your idea of present and make the day more memorable.

One day that is guaranteed to be fun and memorable experience is a day of paintball! After all you're never too old to play paintball soldiers and not only is fun but that tests their endurance, helps you work as a team and test their leadership skills. Gift packages are available for up to four people.

A gift that is very new and original idea is a new fad called SCAD diving. It is the only system that allows the world do not, controlled freefall 150 meters high. This is an experience that is unlikely to forget in a hurry which makes a wonderful gift idea filled with adrenaline.

Gliding is another wonderful gift idea for someone who has had dreams of flying or being a pilot. They will get to enjoy three flights of Aero towing and course notes, tuition club membership and a month to have the option of returning for more flights at reduced rates!

Why not try one of these gifts and give them a jewel, a farewell party!

Getting Personal offer unique high quality gifts & personalised gifts at affordable prices, delivered quickly and guaranteed with a smile.To find out more regarding our range of retirement gifts, please visit our website at [http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk].

Which Gran Turismo 5 cars will be included in the game is what everyone’s wondering at the moment in the gaming world. While no-one but Sony officially knows that full list of Gran Turismo 5 cars, there are several rumours and leaks. We won’t know for sure until the game is released in Japan, but we do have a good idea of a lot of the cars that will be included, as some have been confirmed already.

On September 24th during the annual ‘Tokyo Game Show’ the head producer of GT released some intimate details about the game. It was announced that the game will feature over 950 cars, as well as a totally new game engine that will allow cars to take damage and to ever roll-over. This is a major step forward, as GT games have previously avoided in-game damage, supposedly because the car’s manufacturers didn’t want to see their precious beauties ruined (if only in a game).

The ‘GT Mode’, which is the main section of the game, and where you’ll spend most of your time, will include all the things that you’d expect, such as a world map, a large selection of dealerships, licenses to be earned, and a place to tune up your cars into roaring beasts.

Although Gran Turismo 5 isn’t released till March 2009 (in Japan), since GT5 Prologue was released a while ago, we’ve got a major insight into how the game will actually look, play and feel, and what cars will be included. Some of the more notable cars in the game, that you’ll definitely want to try out, are the Aston Martin DB9 Coupe, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper GTS, Ferrari 599, Lotus Elise, TVR Tuscan Speed Six, and the Ford GT (my personal favourite of all the Gran Turismo 5 cars). I’m pleased to say the Gran Turismo 5 is the first of the series to include Ferrari’s into the game – a long-awaited addition, and a great coup for the developers.

For more information about Gran Turismo 5, and for constant news and announcements, visit: http://www.GameGemini.com

Following on from a great win by Felipe Massa in Istanbul and a third position for Michael Schumacher, formula one is now set to travel to Monza for Ferrari’s home race, the only race being held this September.

The drivers’ championship currently stands with Fernando Alonso on 108 points with Michael Schumacher only 12 behind on 96 points and with four races to go, this situation could easily change. After the Turkish result where Ferrari gained 16 valuable points, the constructors’ championship is poised even closer with Renault on 160 pts and Ferrari only 2 points behind on 158. This means that both Schumacher and Massa are both looking to show the fanatical Ferrari home crowd how strong their Maranello based cars really are to the home crowd, and make some significant points gains in the process.

The track at Monza is known as “La Pista Magica,” the magic track, by the locals, and it seems to have a heart and soul of its own. Built in 1922, Monza was only the third permanent race track ever to be built, following in the footsteps of Brooklands and Indianapolis, and was originally 10km in length with a banked oval track incorporated into the design of the road racing circuit. The current track has now been reduced to 5.793 km in length, making the 53 lap race distance for the Grand Prix nearly 307 km.

The quickest circuit on the calendar to drive, the Monza track requires a combination of both speed and great talent, as the list of past classic races and terrifying accidents will testify. Racers on this circuit use low amounts of downforce to help maximize their speed, but this means that grip levels are correspondingly low, especially into the turn one chicane where the cars all need to slow down from 350km/h to just 60km/h, which can make for an ‘interesting’ first lap.

As talk of what Michael Schumacher’s future plans are going to be crop up in the media, the drive to succeed over the next few races are liable to demonstrate some of his best driving for years, and the atmosphere whenever Ferrari appears in front of the Tifose home crowd is always an electric event.

The small town of Monza is located a short distance from the charming Lake Como and just 16km to the north-east of Milan, with the circuit in easy reach from the city by using the A1 and A4 motorways, and then the local S36.

International travelers can get to the circuit by taking a flight to Milan Linate airport, just to the east of Milan, which handles domestic and European flights, or use Malpensa airport in the north-west which also handles international traffic. From there a quick train ride from Milan to the track is easy.

After a simple rail journey from Milan through to Monza Station, it’s then a short ride on the free shuttle bus service which is normally laid on over the race weekend to transport fans to the circuit, which will have any race fan loving the smell of the fumes on what is set to be a fantastic race day.

About the author:
Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh cricket club.

The primary line of defence for your treasured vehicle, the car alarm was invented to match increasing demand for more security on cars. In olden times cars may have been left unlocked or unwatched, but in modern times car theft is an ever growing crime problem.

Car alarms are designed to make a loud noise, or sometimes even immobilise the engine, if a car is disturbed. This should scare away a criminal as it will attract unwanted attention. They can be found in different designs that are triggered by different stimuli. Some feel vibrations, tilting of the car, simply touching the car, opening of the doors, changes in battery voltage, or using sensors like infrared. The problem is that the more sensitive your car is, the more likely that it will go off by accident and you will need to rush of to turn it off. Accidental triggering happens all the time and sadly contributes to the problem of people ignoring a blaring car alarm, the opposite of the effect desired!

The modern wave of alarm companies have reduced their noisy alarms. Instead silent alarms which disable the engine make the car far more effectively protected. For a free some companies install tracking devices, meaning that if a car is taken they can relay data to the police showing the current whereabouts of the vehicle. The problem with these is they do not deter theft of items inside a car or vandalism.

One invention that makes a difference is a system where the triggered alarm sends a buzzer signal to the driver’s key chain, so that they know a car is being broken into without a blaring alarm. This is preferable for those who would prefer to be able to catch thieves in the act, usually more deterring than just a loud noise with the occasional passer-by glancing over.

John Gibb is the owner of car alarm resources [http://www.car-alarm-resources3k.info]

For more information on car alarms check out [http://www.car-alarm-resources3k.info]

When it comes to Super bikes, every biker will have their own opinion. There are millions of bikers out there and the super bike fraternity is just as diverse.

As any other area of biking. I’m sure I will get a number of readers who profoundly disagree with me so it is just my opinion but for me a superbike should not only offer the rider fantastic power and speed coupled with a real bike raw. It should Also look fantastic and have a great racing heritage. For me the bike that hits all the right buttons is the Ducati and inparticular the Ducati 1098 which I think is probablyThe most beautiful bike currently in production. The are many contenders including the Suzuki GSXR1000 K6 or Kawazaki ZX-14 or you may consider a Yamaha R1 all great bikes and great to look at but the Ducati is a work of art and also comes with the added bonus of being Italian and benefiting from typical Italian style. I know it wont be to all super bikers taste some purists will have their own strong convictions on the Best super bike.

Ducati have been making great bikes in the racing arena since the 1960′s so they also have a great heritage. Call me superficial but I also love the colour schemes simple and classy. Another matter entirely having purchased a super bike is insuring it, not generally a very inexpensive experience. However if you think of the sheer power and performance a super bike offers and then compare it to its four wheel equivalents such as super cars Ferrari, Mclaren or a Lambo, you find you are getting a much better deal on a bike. As with anything Super bikes are a matter of opinion Its just I happen to think I am right about the Ducati 1098.

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